A FAUX-BRONZE AND FAUX-BOIS RUYI-HANDLED PORCELAIN VASE

Description:

China, Qianlong four-character seal mark and possibly of the period
H. 20 cm
In archaistic hu shape, on a high flaring foot ring, above with a band of faux-bois glaze, the body covered in faux-bronze teadust glaze showing archaistic ruyi and taotie elements in relief, the neck with a band of plantain leaves on a faux-bois ground, with two elegantly shaped ruyi-handles at the sides. The faux-bronze effect is realised through a dark teadust glaze accentuated with robin's egg and gold enamel splashes imitating corrosion. The combination of imitation bronze and wood glazes on this vase is a rare feature of such pieces.
From a European private collection, acquired prior to 2007
Cf. with a faux-bronze gu-shaped vase, but without the faux-bois elements, sold by Christie's Hong Kong, 30 May 2005, lot 1239 as well as another piece sold by Christie's New York, 15 Sep 2011, lot 1602
Very minor wear